Dimensions Ellipticals range from 4 feet long (1.2m) to 7 feet long (2.1m) and 4 feet high (1.2m) to 5+ feet high (1.7m). The most important thing to consider is the space in which you plan to place the elliptic ... Show more

Location of Flywheel Flywheels can be front-drive, rear-drive, or center-drive. In a front-drive flywheel, the wheel that powers the pedals is located in the front of the machine below the console and handlebars. Front-dr ... Show more

Front

Flywheel Weight The heaviest part of an elliptical is the flywheel. They weigh anywhere from 13-30 pounds (5.8kg to 13.6kg), with basic models averaging 15 pounds (6.8kg). Generally speaking, the heavier the flywheel ... Show more

20 lbs

Maximum User Weight Every elliptical has a weight restriction based on the machines capacity for use. Weight limits range from 250-350 pounds (113kg to 159kg), though most hover around the 300-pound mark. As a general ru ... Show more

350 lbs

Stride and Incline

Maximum Stride Length Stride length describes the distance the pedals cover from front to back when you “run.” It ranges from 12” to 21” (30cm to 53cm). The length you need will depend on the height of the user. If you hav ... Show more

1.7 ft

Adjustable Stride An adjustable stride allows you change the distance your feet move from front to back while using the elliptical. This can be useful if you have several users of different heights that plan to exercis ... Show more

Yes

Reverse Stride Reversible stride ellipticals allow you to essentially run backwards while exercising. This is best for targeting different muscle groups. Running forwards mainly works your quadriceps, upper body and ... Show more

Yes

Type of Incline Inclining the elliptical allows you to raise the front of the pedals or tracks to simulate running uphill, which leads to a tougher workout and exercising different muscle groups. Inclining can be don ... Show more

Automatic

Capacity and Handling

Type of Resistance Resistance describes the level of effort it takes to move the pedals back and forth along the track. The higher the resistance (or pressure against movement), the tougher the workout. Ellipticals come ... Show more

Automatic

Wheels Some ellipticals will have wheels on the front or back of the base, so you can tip the machine and roll it to a different spot in your home. This is especially useful if you want to transport the elli ... Show more

Yes

Foldable A folding elliptical can be reduced in size for easy storage by folding elements up or inward. This is especially helpful if you need a machine that doesn’t take up a lot of space. The drawbacks to a ... Show more

No

Hybrid Machine Hybrid machines can be an elliptical-bike or an elliptical-stair stepper. An elliptical-bike has a seat built onto the base, so you can sit down to use the machine as an exercise bike or stand up on t ... Show more

Elliptical

Movable Handles While using an elliptical, you can place your hands on the vertical handles on either side of the console. These handles can be stationary or movable. Stationary handles are common in less expensive m ... Show more

Yes

Heart Rate Tracking and Programs

Heart Rate Monitor
Does the elliptical include heart rate monitors on the handles?

Yes

chest strap

Location of Heart Rate Monitors Ellipticals can support heart rate monitoring in several ways. First, there could be metal heart rate monitors on the stationary handles under the console or on each side of the console (or both). Bec ... Show more

Stationary Handles

Progress Tracking In order to keep a log of your workouts and stats, such as time, distance traveled, calories burned, etc., you may want an elliptical that does this for you automatically. Some machines come with auto ... Show more

Yes

Number of Workout Programs Preprogrammed workouts on ellipticals guide you through an activity focused on a certain goal or type of workout. Examples range from hill climb, where the elliptical automatically adjusts incline and ... Show more

10

Display Screen

Elliptical displays offer a wide range of features that vary greatly from one machine to another. The display can be as simple as analog LED lights that show time and distance traveled or as complex as a fully functioning TV screen with cable network connectivity. Displays vary in size and type, with higher end machines displaying more stats (time, distance, incline, speed, heart rate, workout program status, etc.) and offering more advanced features (such as a virtual tour that simulates traveling through real-life environments). There are positives and negatives to this level of complexity. On the plus side, sophisticated displays allow you to easily monitor and adjust your workout based on the information presented. They may also provide a distraction from the dull pace of elliptical exercise. At the same time, this kind of distraction can be harmful to your workout because it may cause you to fall or injure yourself or be overly conscious of the clock and distance.

Advanced display screens or TV screens could have the added benefit of linking with your smartphone, so you can watch video content on the display as you run. The suite of features will be dependent on your needs but know that you’ll pay significantly more for complex displays and TV screens.

Display Screen
Does the elliptical console have a screen?

Yes

Display Size

6.5 inches

Type of Display

LCD

white backlit

Media/TV Capabilities
Can the elliptical’s screen play TV or media, such as movies?

No

Metrics Displayed
What metrics are displayed on the elliptical console/screen?

USB Charging Port If the elliptical has a USB port, you’ll likely be able to charge your smartphone or tablet, which is great for long workouts. If you like to watch TV or listen to music, this can help save battery, t ... Show more

No

Headphone Jack An auxiliary port or headphone jack lets you connect your smartphone or tablet directly to the elliptical’s media system to listen to sound directly through its speakers, so that you don’t have to get ... Show more

Yes

Built-In Speakers Some ellipticals have speakers built into the dashboard. Through Bluetooth or a basic auxiliary cable, you can connect your phone or media device to the machine’s console to play music, listen to podc ... Show more

Yes

Mobile App Connectivity Some elliptical companies also have proprietary mobile applications (such as Schwinn Connect, LifeSpan’s Activ Trac, Nautilus Trainer, etc.) that extend the features of the machine. This can include a ... Show more

Yes

App Subscription Cost Some ellipticals will require a monthly or yearly subscription cost to access certain features. This might include advanced progress tracking, additional workout programs or syncing with a brand-speci ... Show more

Free

Software Features

Sync with Third Party Apps
Can you sync workout data with third part apps, such as MyFitnessPal and FitBit?

Yes

Compatible Apps If you’re using a fitness app such as Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, or FitBit, some smart ellipticals allow users to transfer their workout details from the elliptical’s tracking system directly your favo ... Show more

Sole Fitness

Fitbit

Record by Under Armour

Mapmyrun

Apple Health

Bluetooth Connectivity Ellipticals that are Bluetooth capable can connect wirelessly with your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet. This is most commonly used to play music on the elliptical’s speakers. Some ellipticals ... Show more

Yes

Wi-Fi Connectivity Ellipticals that are Wi-Fi enabled can connect to your home wireless network for enhanced features. This could include syncing with or data transfer to external devices, such as a smartphone, computer ... Show more

No

Warranty

Ellipticals separate their warranties into four sections: Frame, Parts, Labor and Brake System. Across all of these categories, warranties are an important feature to assess in ellipticals because the length of the warranties are an indication of the company’s confidence in the machines ability to last. 90-day warranties show that the manufacturer doesn’t believe the elliptical hold up past the first 90 days of ownership.

Frame warranties should be lifetime warranties. Anything less than that is an indication of a cheaply made machine and buyers should be wary.

Parts warranties range from 90 days to 5 years to lifetime warranties. For light use, 90 days to 1 year might be an acceptable parts warranty, though you should not expect that machine to be extremely durable.

Labor warranties range from 90 days to 3 years. For light or moderate use, choose an elliptical with at least 1-year labor warranty. If you plan to use the machine long and often, it’d be best to find a labor warranty of 2-3 years. Note that labor warranties are typically shorter than parts warranties, which means that, up until a certain point, the company will cover the cost of parts, but not the cost of paying someone to fix it.

Finally, like the frame warranty, the best brands offer you a lifetime warranty on the brake system, which provides resistance on the elliptical. If you have an electromagnetic brake system, you likely won’t have any issues, but it always helps to have reassurance that you’re covered if something goes wrong.

Sole Fitness E25 is a very popular and one of the most expensive options. It's in the top 3 bestselling elliptical trainers and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as ProForm Pro 12.9 or Nautilus E618 .

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